Using social media on your job search

Social Media is huge. Gigantic even. Don’t believe me? Visualise this, an estimated 7.3 billion people live on the planet and according to brandwatch.com, about 2.3 billion of those are active social media users.

It’s no surprise that companies have latched onto social media and it’s the newest thing to shape the recruitment industry.

So how can you take advantage? We have a look at ways to use social media to boost your job search and some of the best practices to avoid giving a bad impression.

LinkedIn

It’s a biggie. Traditionally known as the business networking platform, LinkedIn allows you to create a profile to showcase all previous experience to your connections.

Treat your profile like your CV

Use the top summary much like the starting paragraph and sum up your experience and where you are in your career.

If you’re openly looking for work, make your connections aware by including it here.

Think about companies you would like to work for and follow them on their company pages

If the company advertises roles on this platform, you’ll see them here and can apply with your LinkedIn profile rather than your CV.

Make connections

Search and add people you have come across in your career, at University, even down the pub! These people may have links in your industry.

If you want to reach out to them, send them a message to let them know you’re looking for work – but don’t beg or seem desperate!

Good at something? Talk about it

Fancy yourself a sales expert? Talk about it on Linkedin. Maybe you can offer guidance on hiring a building contractor or help with planning for the upcoming self assessment deadline. Offer expert tips, guidance on your area. If you begin to showcase your skills, employers may engage with you directly as well as read your content. Keep it consistent to building a following on your expertise!

Keep it professional

There’s a lot of talk about what should and shouldn’t be posted on LinkedIn. Remember, your connections can see what you are liking and what your comments are – be cautious when engaging in controversial subjects!

Facebook

You might not associate Facebook with finding a job but it could be where you find your next opportunity, especially with the recent launch of Facebook Jobs.

Be aware of what you’re sharing

Your privacy settings will determine what information is publicly available. Make sure to check this so there aren’t any…shall we say, colourful surprises to your employers.

Follow those companies

Keep up to date with their latest goings on, it may come in handy when you attend an interview. Are they openly advertising for any roles?

Twitter

Follow, follow, follow!

Keep up to date with their activities; it may grant you an insight into their working environment such as socials, internal culture and more.

Follow recruitment agencies, if you’re working with one, chances are they post jobs on their own Twitter channel.

Engage with businesses

If you wish to go direct, send them a message asking if there are any available opportunities or where you may be able to send your CV. If they’re active on social media, they potentially have someone on the other side ready to answer questions.

Research

With the potential for an interview, social media can offer you an insight into the company's internal culture, their recent events and achievements! You can also get a good feel of the company by their 'voice' and how they interact with their followers.

Depending on your industry, there are other platforms that may provide a good place to engage with employers including Instagram and Pinterest.

Always be cautious about how you represent yourself online especially if you are looking for work.

Most importantly, if you do come across a job that you like the look of make sure to follow up with a phone call. The person manning social media may not know who to speak to or where to send your CV so make sure your interest goes to the right department.

With so much competition out there, reaching out via LinkedIn or Twitter or even Facebook can give you an edge and could get you noticed by the employer quicker.